The Jasper Wildfire Complex is also no longer considered out of control and is now classified as “under control.”
As of Saturday afternoon (August 17), one day after the evacuation order was lifted, the evacuation alert is no longer in effect for the municipality of Jasper.
The evacuation order required residents to leave the premises, while the alarm message required them to prepare for evacuation within one hour.
The Jasper wildfire complex is also no longer considered out of control and is now classified as “under control.”
“This means that given current and expected weather conditions and resources, the fire is not expected to spread to priority areas,” Parks Canada said.
Due to low clouds and rain, the helicopters had to remain on the ground that morning, but they were able to start shoveling in the afternoon.
According to an update from Parks Canada, two millimetres of rain fell in Jasper over the past 24 hours, with precipitation amounts varying throughout the wildfire area, including 10 mm at the southern end.
The fire brigade searched section by section from the contained perimeter to the centre of the forest fire for remaining embers and the fire on the runway was completely extinguished.
Equipment continues to be released, with crews removing sprinklers, hoses and other equipment from across the city.
Parks Canada added that ignition specialists and some helicopters, including the Black Hawk, are no longer needed.
These developments come as Jasper residents begin to return to town. Over 500 residents visited the Re-entry Support Centre on Friday (August 16) and another 300 arrived the following day.
Miette Hot Springs and the Columbia Icefields have also reopened, but the rest of Jasper National Park remains closed.
Highway 16 is only open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Non-locals are not allowed to stop in the national park and must be turned back if they try to enter the city area.
